Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Bolton

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

It is pleasing the home has not only been able to maintain the excellent standards of care noted at the full inspection, but has continued to make measurable progress since then. For example, all of the young people living in the home continue to progress physically, educationally and developmentally.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people are well settled because they are living happily in a stable, long- term placement. Detailed plans, strategies and assessments of risk which are updated regularly to keep them current, address young people’s individuality, identity and need. Aspirations for young people are high and disability is not seen as a barrier for any young person to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Vulnerable young people feel safe and secure in the home. A dedicated and highly motivated staff group have the knowledge, skills and understanding that assist them to keep young people safe. For example, managers and staff have the knowledge and experience to understand how autism affects the individuals they care for.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The routines in the home reflect the needs of young people and are individualised to meet their needs. For example, the staff have worked out a morning routine for one young person to improve his enjoyment at mealtimes. They have done this by planning the times his medication is administered. He now has breakfast at a time that ensures the effects of his morning medication do not impact on him enjoying his meal.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are skilled in their interaction with young people who have little verbal communication. This enables on-going dialogue in various forms to take place, allowing young people to make choices and express opinions. The observed interaction between the two parties is positive, which creates a warm, happy and cheery atmosphere.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour in the home is managed through an understanding of behaviour traits linked to autism. It is non-punitive. For example, since the full inspection there have been no sanctions imposed, no incidents of young people going missing and no physical interventions. Young people are well supported in ways that are helpful and designed to let them learn and explore ways of coping, in a positive way. For example, one young person was supported by two staff at a dental appointment on the day of the inspection. The dental procedure took place for the first time without the young person having to have an anaesthetic. This was a considerable and significant event with staff sharing their joy with the young person’s family. It is moments like this that create a sense of achievement and helps to cement trust. This allows both young people and their families to have confidence in the staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A full tour of the premises shows the levels of cleanliness, state of repair, fixtures, fittings, décor, furnishings and equipment are all of a high standard. Bedrooms are personalised to suite the taste and needs of the occupant. Young people were observed as being comfortable and relaxed in their environment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and her staff show no complacency, demonstrating a professionalism where they wish to look for ways to expand and maximise each person’s potential. For example, staff spoke with the inspector about trying to find new ways for young people to express themselves in ways they are comfortable with. Staff are supportive of the manager and the ethos and culture built up over the years in a home run for solely for the benefit of the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff advocate strongly for the young people in their care, who are all integrated into school and community life. There is ambition and desire to keep moving the home forward in an effort to improve practice and ultimately, outcomes for young people. For example, following a recent two day inspection, the home has retained its accreditation with the National Autistic Society, receiving a very positive report.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the full inspection there has only been one incident worthy of notification to Ofsted. The incident, linked to medication was identified immediately and no harm came to any young person. The steps taken to ensure there is no repeat are sensible and have ultimately improved the system around administering and recording medication.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The monitoring of the home both internally and externally meets with statutory requirements. Staff supervision, appraisal and training ensure that staff have the skills and knowledge to understand and address the complex needs of the young people in their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has a good record of compliance and has fully addressed the one recommendation made at the previous inspection. This had led to improvements in in the quality of information available to young people should they wish to make contact with external agencies.

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Information about this children's home

The children's home is one of a number of homes operated by a charitable trust. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 02/08/2016 Full Outstanding 04/02/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness 12/05/2015 Full Outstanding 21/01/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure that all medicines are administered in line with the medically approved protocol. (Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations including the quality standards, page 35 section 7.15)

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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